Drug Development.

Background: It is essential that both drug and lifestyle-based interventions aimed at delaying the functional decline in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRDs) capture change in functioning that incorporates the person's voice. Such brain health priorities can vary across populations and it is unclear to what degree findings from the ePSOM program in the UK might apply to the US.

Methods: We conducted an online nationwide study to understand what matters to people aged 50 and older about their brain health in the US.

Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors.

Background: Historically, efforts to engage under-represented communities in health research have encountered limited success, attributable to inadequate community participation, acceptability, and ownership. Globally, an innovative strategy to foster community involvement in research is the establishment of Community Advisory Boards (CABs). These boards consist of stakeholders from the target community, providing partnership and support throughout all phases of the research, from conception to implementation and evaluation.

Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors.

Background: Black Americans (BAs), Hispanics/Latinos (H/Ls), and Africans (As) face a disproportionate burden of aging and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD), coupled with underrepresentation in research. Further, researchers also report a lack of compliance on sensitive social determinants of health data for AD/ADRD research. For instance, the PRAPARE tool reports a low completion rate in community and clinical settings.

Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors.

Background: Majority of people living worldwide live in low- and middle- income countries, including sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Most cognitive assessment batteries for Alzheimer's Disease(AD), are developed in high income countries (HICs), where most international dementia collaborations and data originate. The African Dementia Consortium (AfDC) is a new scientific collaboration network currently participating in the Recruitment and Retention for Alzheimer's Disease Diversity Genetic Cohorts in the Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project (READD-ADSP).

Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors.

Background: Understanding social, behavioral, and environmental determinants of health (SBEDOH) are key in identifying modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease and related Dementias (ADRD), particularly the disproportionate burden seen in minorities. However, a lack of standardized SBEDOH methods exists with current methods limited in scope and cultural sensitivity (i.e.

Dementia Care Practice.

Introduction: Evaluation of functional dependence in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (iADLs) is necessary for dementia diagnosis. ADL and iADL questionnaires are typically employed, but with progressive cognitive impairment, a care partner must step in to assist with these tests, causing logistical burdens. Pre-screening tools that triage patients in need of formal functional assessment would optimize clinical workflows.

Dementia Care Practice.

Introduction: Compelling evidence from longitudinal trials demonstrates that adopting certain lifestyles, especially in midlife to early late life, can reduce the risk of dementia, reduce the severity of the associated disability, and decrease progression to dementia in individuals with mild cognitive impairment by as much as 40%. The Life and Health Questionnaire (LHQ) is a 32-item questionnaire - written at a 6th-grade reading level - that captures information related to potentially modifiable lifestyle and psychosocial risk factors, and protective factors for cognitive decline and dementia. The objective of this study was to gain insights into the feasibility of the LHQ in primary care settings by evaluating the influence of cognition, age, and education on the LHQ completion times.

Correlation Between Relative Value Units and Operative Time for Peripheral Nerve Surgeries.

Background: The work relative value unit (wRVU) system quantifies surgeons' effort and resources for procedures. Studies have shown its inaccuracy in capturing the complexity of certain plastic and upper extremity surgeries. Analysis for peripheral nerve surgery (PNS), a growing niche within hand and plastic surgery, has not been performed.

Long-Acting Injectable Prep for People Who Inject Drugs at a Syringe Services Program: A Qualitative Acceptability and Feasibility Study.

Although people who inject drugs (PWID) are at high risk of acquiring HIV, knowledge and uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among this population remain low due to numerous psychosocial and structural barriers. Multiple implementation strategies have been proposed to address this gap, notably providing long-acting injectable (LAI) formulations of PrEP and offering PrEP at syringe services programs (SSPs). This qualitative study explores the acceptability and feasibility of offering LAI-PrEP for PWID at risk for HIV at Florida's first legal SSP.

Germ cell tumors in children.

Pediatric germ cell tumors represent a rare but biologically diverse group of neoplasms arising from pluripotent primordial germ cells. The 2022 edition of the WHO Classification of Pediatric Tumors introduced the first organ independent classification of germ cell tumors, reflecting advances in molecular biology, histopathology, and clinical practice. This review highlights the key changes, including the refined distinctions between the different subtypes.

Aseptic meningitis from herpes simplex virus proctitis.

Sexually transmitted proctitis, a prevalent concern among men who have sex with men (MSM) is frequently caused by a range of pathogens, including herpes simplex virus (HSV), and While HSV-associated proctitis typically presents with visible lesions, cases without external manifestations remain evasive. We report the case of an MSM in his early 30s presenting with dyschezia and perineal discomfort after unprotected anoreceptive intercourse. Despite initial inconspicuous findings, rectal swabs revealed HSV-2 infection.

A Small-Molecule Inhibitor of Gut Bacterial Urease Protects the Host from Liver Injury.

Hyperammonemia is characterized by the accumulation of ammonia within the bloodstream upon liver injury. Left untreated, hyperammonemia contributes to conditions such as hepatic encephalopathy that have high rates of patient morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have identified gut bacterial urease, an enzyme that converts urea into ammonia, as a major contributor to systemic ammonia levels.

Demographic Correlates of Autism: How Do Associations Compare Between Diagnosis and a Quantitative Trait Measure?

Prevalence of autism diagnosis has historically differed by demographic factors. Using data from 8224 participants drawn from the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, we examined relationships between demographic factors and parent-reported autism-related traits as captured by the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS; T score > 65) and compared these to relations with parent-reported clinician diagnosis of ASD, in generalized linear mixed effects regression analyses. Results suggested lower odds of autism diagnosis, but not of SRS T > 65, for non-Hispanic Black children (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.

Management of hidradenitis suppurativa in the inpatient setting: a clinical guide.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the axilla, inframammary folds, buttocks, inner thighs, and anogenital regions. Patients with moderate to severe HS often seek care in the emergency department and may require hospitalization; however, the lack of clear admission criteria and management guidelines presents significant challenges. To address these issues, we conducted a clinical review aimed at hospitalists and consulting dermatologists considering hospital admission for patients experiencing severe HS flares.

Skin and Soft Tissue Infection Complicated by Sepsis in an Immunocompromised Patient: A Rare Case Report.

Physicians should consider non-O1, non-O139 (NOVC) in the differential diagnosis of cellulitis complicated by sepsis, especially in immunocompromised patients when potential exposure exists. Due to the pathogen's potential for severe infections and rising incidence from environmental changes, we emphasize the need for increased awareness and appropriate treatment guidelines.

Red cell microparticles produced using high-pressure extrusion enhance both primary and secondary hemostasis.

Background: Current therapies to treat excessive bleeding are associated with significant complications, which may outweigh their benefits. Red blood cell-derived microparticles (RMPs) are a promising hemostatic agent. Previous studies demonstrated that they reduce bleeding in animal models, correct coagulation defects in patient blood, and have an excellent safety profile.

Fracture characteristics and functional outcomes for Schatzker V/VI bicondylar tibial plateau fractures with a separate tubercle fragment: a comparative study.

Introduction: A separate tibial tubercle fragment (TF) is found in up to half of all bicondylar tibial plateau (BTP) fractures. Adequate healing of the TF is required to reconstitute the extensor mechanism of the knee. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes after surgical fixation of BTP fractures with and without a TF.

Comparison of cellular-based therapies following a long-segmental peripheral nerve defect in a rat model.

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is characterized by a loss of cellular and axonal integrity, often leading to limited functional recovery and pain. Many PNIs are not amenable to repair with traditional techniques; however, cell therapies, particularly Schwann cells (SCs), offer the promise of neural tissue replacement and functional improvement. Exosomes, which carry cellular signaling molecules, can be secreted by SCs and have shown promise in PNI.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV testing in Peru: an interrupted time series analysis from 2014 to 2022.

Objectives: Our objective was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the proportion of past-year HIV testing in Peru.

Methods: Utilizing data from the National Demographic and Health Survey of Peru from 2014 to 2022, we conducted an interrupted time series analysis. The proportion of past-year HIV testing per quarter of each year was considered our unit of analysis.

Nuances of the Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Technical Review.

Background: Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) achieves anterior and posterior spinal arthrodesis through a single approach. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) methods reduce surgical morbidity while achieving positive outcomes.

Methods: The major MIS-TLIF techniques, from tubular to endoscopic approaches, are reviewed with a discussion on the incorporation of new technologies and a comparative review of their outcomes.

A closer look: factors impacting HIV durable viral suppression among a cohort of clinic attendees in Trinidad & Tobago.

Background: In Trinidad and Tobago, high HIV prevalence among key populations necessitates studying factors that impact durable viral suppression (DVS), crucial for effective HIV management and reducing transmission among at-risk networks. This study investigates these factors using clinical data from a major HIV care clinic in the Caribbean.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 533 adult people with HIV (people) at MRFTT from 2017 to 2021 assessed the proportion achieving DVS, defined as a sustained viral load <200 copies/ml over one year.

Protocol for the isolation of brain microvessels and visualization of RNA fluorescence in mice and humans.

Here, we present a protocol for isolating microvessels from fresh or snap-frozen brain tissue from mice and humans, followed by visualization of RNA utilizing RNAscope hybridization for quantification of mRNA. We describe the steps for sample preparation and isolation, fixation, and hybridization. This protocol was specifically designed to integrate with RNAscope in situ hybridization.